The Natural Sciences at St. Lawrence

Summer Course

Wed September 4, 2013

Group photo

The summer BIO/ GEO 248 Tropical Biology of Costa Rica course was a huge success. Co-taught by Dr. Willson and Geology colleague Dr. David Kratzmann, the 2-wk course enrolled nine SLU students. The course started at the renowned La Selva Biological Station in lowland tropical rainforest, where students encountered leaf cutter ants, howler monkeys, toucans and spectacular biodiversity amidst the heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. From La Selva we traveled to Turrialba Volcano, our first stop above 8500 ft., to learn about Costa Rica’s rich volcanic history, and from there we traveled even higher to the pristine oak forests of Cuerici Biological Station in the Cerro de la Muerte range (the Mountains of Death!). Students left Costa Rica with a newfound love of the tropics and awe for Costa Rica’s spectacular biodiversity.